Description
.38-40 Winchester (WCF) 180 grain Hi-Tek coated RNFP– The .38-40 Winchester is actually a .40 caliber (10 mm) intermediate cartridge shooting .401 in (10.2 mm) caliber bullets. The cartridge was introduced by Winchester in 1874 and is derived from their .44-40 Winchester. This cartridge was introduced for rifles, but in its reintroduction for cowboy action shooting it has seen some popularity as a revolver cartridge. It is not particularly well suited to hunting larger game, but it was popular when it was introduced, along with the previous .44-40 Winchester, for deer hunting. It can be used successfully on smaller game animals, and for self-defense. Current loadings are intended for revolvers.
Common Misconceptions
- It’s not a true .38-caliber round – As mentioned, it actually fires a .401-inch bullet, making it more of a .40-caliber round.
- It was not originally a revolver cartridge – Though Colt later chambered revolvers for it, it was first designed for rifles.
- It’s not interchangeable with .40 S&W or 10mm Auto – Despite having similar bullet diameters, the case design and pressures are very different.
The renewed interest in this caliber can be explained by the increasing popularity of cowboy action shooting and metallic silhouette shooting. Several single-action revolvers have recently been chambered for this cartridge, including the Ruger Vaquero.
Choice Ammunition offers this high-quality .38-40 Winchester range load, specifically designed for modern firearms. This carefully crafted ammunition provides reliable performance with consistent velocities, making it ideal for target shooting and practice sessions. Utilizing precision-manufactured brass and high-grade components, Choice Ammunition ensures optimal accuracy reliability, enhancing the shooting experience. Unlike traditional .38-40 loads, which were originally designed for black powder firearms, this modern variant is tailored for contemporary revolvers. With a balanced powder charge and our own Chey-Cast premium projectiles, shooters can expect minimal fouling, and superior downrange consistency, making it a top choice for enthusiasts with the .38-40 WCF.
The Bullet:

Our wholly owned CHEY-CAST Bullet division uses a unique heat-set “HI-TEK Supercoat” manufactured in Australia, where it has been used for more than 20 years. Our Hi-Tek Supercoat Bullet Coating totally encapsulates the lead projectiles and is safe to shoot indoors while giving no toxic out-gassing, or particulate matter when fired. The coating is absolutely non abrasive and contains no PTFE or MOLY. The end result is cleaner air and cleaner guns!
Velocity: 920 fps











